FMCG Product Innovation Leader — Port Elizabeth

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Bonus tied to product success

Relocation assistance

Health insurance

Training and conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Lead in Port Elizabeth to drive the creation of new FMCG products. You will lead an R&D team and collaborate with marketing, operations and sales to move concepts from ideation to market launch.

The role requires a strong background in food science, packaging, and manufacturing processes, with at least 8 years in product development and a track record of successful FMCG launches.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Product Development, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in product development, with a substantial portion in FMCG.
• Proven track record of successfully launching innovative FMCG products to market.
• Strong understanding of food science, formulation, packaging, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience with sensory evaluation, consumer testing, and regulatory affairs.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development for new FMCG products from concept to commercialization.
• Conduct market research, consumer trend analysis, and competitor assessments to identify opportunities.
• Manage the R&D team, fostering creativity and scientific rigor.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations to ensure market-ready concepts.
• Develop product specifications, prototypes and conduct testing to validate performance and appeal.
• Oversee regulatory compliance and quality assurance throughout development.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory affairs

Sensory evaluation

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Product Development

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Product Development Lead in Port Elizabeth to drive the creation of new FMCG products. You will lead an R&D team and collaborate with marketing, operations and sales to move concepts from ideation to market launch.

The role requires a strong background in food science, packaging, and manufacturing processes, with at least 8 years in product development and a track record of successful FMCG launches.